There is the $50 baggage charge, but more so is the egregious baggage handling practices. And, a refusal to cover nearly everything that isn't clothing. It's caveat emptor.

I flew Alaska only once, and I had a great experience. They handled the second leg of a work trip I took, and a different airline handled the first leg. Well, first leg airline misplaced my checked luggage, and I needed to do a presentation for work. Alaska took responsibility -- yes, they took responsibility for another company's goof up -- and bought me the whole professional getup -- suit + shirt + belt + shoes. I'll definitely fly Alaska again.

Alaska Airlines has won numerous awards for customer service.

I highly recommend Alaska/Horizon Air for ETS members based in the far western states.

By the way, I had a checked bag with the first leg airline because I wanted to have a knife at my destination. What's a suit without my Benchmade?

The first leg airline was Frontier. My experience with them hasn't been so great.

Going in a different direction, Walmart has
Faberware Edgekeeper knives


6 inch Chef's knife with a sheath with built in sharpener for us $8.97. Free pick up from any store in US. Order 3 days in advance, fly in. Go to Walmart.


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Farberware-Edg...dingMethod=p13n